NineBot Becomes Official Chinese Partner of Valorant Champions Tour and Valorant Masters

Key insights

7 takeaways

01
NineBot has signed a partnership with TJ Sports to become the official Chinese partner for the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) China region and Valorant Masters.
02
The partnership will debut at Valorant Masters Bangkok, which runs from February 20 to March 2, 2025.
03
Financial terms of the deal between NineBot and TJ Sports were not disclosed.
04
Valorant Masters Bangkok features a total prize pool of $500,000 USD, with Chinese organizations Edward Gaming (EDG) and Trace Esports (TE) participating.
05
NineBot, a Chinese electronic motorcycle company, previously acquired the Segway brand in 2015 for over $75 million.
06
NineBot has a history of esports investment in China, having previously sponsored the League of Legends Pro League team LNG Esports and Honor of Kings teams All Gamers and Wolves Esports.
07
NineBot reports a global user base of over 22 million.

Summary

NineBot, a China-based electronic motorcycle manufacturer, has entered into a strategic partnership with TJ Sports to become the official Chinese partner for the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) and Valorant Masters. While the specific financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, the collaboration marks a significant expansion of NineBot’s involvement in the professional esports sector. The partnership will debut at the Valorant Masters Bangkok, scheduled for February 20 through March 2, 2025, where teams will compete for a total prize pool of $500,000 USD.

This deal reflects NineBot’s ongoing commitment to the Chinese esports market, building upon its previous sponsorships of organizations such as LNG Esports, All Gamers, and Wolves Esports. The company, which claims a global user base exceeding 22 million, continues to leverage its brand presence through high-profile competitive gaming events. NineBot’s subsidiary, Segway—acquired in 2015 for over $75 million—serves as the primary electronic motorcycle line for the brand within China.

The partnership highlights the growing intersection between consumer technology brands and the competitive Valorant ecosystem in the China region. By aligning with TJ Sports, NineBot aims to increase its visibility among the demographic of esports fans and players. This move underscores a broader trend of non-endemic brands utilizing major tournament circuits to solidify their market position within the rapidly evolving Chinese esports landscape.